UK

Coronavirus: 1,500 Military Personnel Involved In Testing

A total of 1,500 British military personnel are now involved in carrying out tests for coronavirus - an increase of 350 since Wednesday.

Ninety-six mobile testing units (MTUs) are now operational, with personnel due to involved with 92 of those by early May, according to the Government.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced this evening that 122,347 tests coronavirus were carried out in the 24 hours up to 9am on Friday.

The mobile facilities, which have the capacity to test 300 people each day across the UK, began to be rolled out by service members last week.

The MTUs, developed by the military, operate out of drive through sites to help access those who are isolated communities such as care homes.

It is unclear where the mobile units will be located, although it is believed they will be moved depending on need.

Each MTU has the capacity to conduct 300 COVID-19 tests each day.

Personnel are supporting the Department of Health and Social Care by assisting at drive through sites and operating mobile testing units.

The MTUs will be driven by service members to those in isolated areas to collect swabs, before returning them to a lab for analysis.

Results are returned within 48 hours.

Cover image: MOD.

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